N&C Glass, the UK’s largest independent supplier of glass
and glazing products, has invested more than £250,000 in new
manufacturing equipment to meet increased demand for shaped
Pilkington fire glass and enable the business to become a
one-stop shop for fire-resistant glass, regardless of its
complexity.

The company, based in Beckton in London’s Docklands,
specialises in fire-resistant glass, safety & security glass,
window glass and high-performance commercial units. Through its
on-site manufacturing facilities and owned distribution network,
it supplies sealed units and stock glass to a broad range of
customers, from high value commercial projects to independent
glaziers.

Over the past 12 months N&C Glass has experienced increased
demand for fire-resistant glass in a variety of shapes, as
customers’ request products that not only meet the necessary
safety requirements, but are also aesthetically pleasing. The
new investment will enable N&C to deliver a complex product that
meets both challenging design and performance requirements.

N&C Glass’ recent investment has seen the company add a
state-of-the-art waterjet cutting equipment and new vertical saw
to its manufacturing facility. The new kit means N&C Glass can
complement demand for straight edged panels with more complex,
non-linear shapes. As a result, it has more than doubled its
output of cut to size glass, while also reducing lead times for
customers.

Graham Ingle, Product Manager, Clear Fire Protection Glass at
Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, said: "N&C’s significant
investment in two new pieces of equipment reflects the growing
demand for shaped fire-resistant glass across the industry. It
is now a one-stop shop for the complete range of fire-resistant
glass, regardless of its complexity.

"Fire-resistant glass plays a critically important role in
protecting both buildings and their occupants, and because of
this we only work with a handful of trusted firms across the UK
to process and supply Pilkington fire-resistant glass products.
N&C has fully met our expectations over the years and we look
forward to seeing the business continue to go from strength to
strength following its investment."

Richard Howe, Operations Director at Nicholls & Clarke Glass,
added: "Fire-resistant glass plays a major role in our business
and the decision to invest £250,000 in new equipment to meet the
increased demand for shaped fire-resistant glass was an obvious
one.

"We’ve worked alongside Pilkington for more than two decades
now, providing its products to our customers, and our two new
machines will enable us to continue to meet customer demand more
effectively and efficiently."